Neutrophil heterogeneity: implications for homeostasis and pathogenesis

Neutrophils are polymorphonuclear leukocytes of the phagocytic system that act as first line of host defense against invading pathogens but are also important mediators of inflammation-induced injury. In contrast to other members of the innate immune system, neutrophils are classically considered a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Blood 2016-05, Vol.127 (18), p.2173-2181
Main Authors: Silvestre-Roig, Carlos, Hidalgo, Andres, Soehnlein, Oliver
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adaptive Immunity
Animals
Autoimmune Diseases - immunology
Cell Movement
Cellular Senescence
Homeostasis
Humans
Immunity, Innate
Immunophenotyping
Infections - immunology
Inflammation - immunology
Lymphatic System - cytology
Lymphatic System - immunology
Mice
Neoplasms - immunology
Neutrophils - classification
Neutrophils - immunology
Transcriptome
Transendothelial and Transepithelial Migration
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Summary:Neutrophils are polymorphonuclear leukocytes of the phagocytic system that act as first line of host defense against invading pathogens but are also important mediators of inflammation-induced injury. In contrast to other members of the innate immune system, neutrophils are classically considered a homogenous population of terminally differentiated cells with a well-defined and highly conserved function. Indeed, their short lifespan, the absent proliferative capacity, their limited ability to produce large amounts of cytokines, and the failure to recirculate from the tissue to the bloodstream have sustained this idea. However, increasing evidence over the last decade has demonstrated an unexpected phenotypic heterogeneity and functional versatility of the neutrophil population. Far beyond their antimicrobial functions, neutrophils are emerging as decision-shapers during innate and adaptive immune responses. These emerging discoveries open a new door to understand the role of neutrophils during homeostatic but also pathogenic immune processes. Thus, this review details novel insights of neutrophil phenotypic and functional heterogeneity during homeostasis and disease.
ISSN:0006-4971
1528-0020
DOI:10.1182/blood-2016-01-688887